Slushies have been a popular treat for children and adults alike for many years. However, recent studies have raised concerns about the safety of this icy drink, particularly for young children. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued guidelines advising parents to limit their children’s consumption of slushies due to the potential side effects of the sweetener used in these drinks. But should we all be avoiding slushies? And is the FSA considering changing their guidelines?
According to the FSA, children under the age of five should avoid slushies altogether, while children under the age of 11 should have no more than one slushie. This is because the sweetener used in slushies, glycerol, has the potential to cause side effects such as headaches and sickness, especially when consumed in excess. The FSA’s guidelines are based on the potential risks associated with glycerol, which can lead to a condition known as “glycerol intoxication syndrome” in some cases.
A recent study published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood looked at 21 cases of children who ended up in A&E within an hour of drinking slushies. The study found that when children drink slushies quickly, it can lead to glycerol intoxication syndrome, which can cause unconsciousness and even seizures. As a result, the study recommended that younger children, especially those under the age of eight, should avoid slushies containing glycerol.
But what about older children and adults? Should they also be avoiding slushies? We spoke to Dr. Olalekan Otulana, a GP at Ocean Recovery and Cassiobury Court, to get his expert opinion on the matter. Dr. Otulana agrees that children under the age of eight should avoid slushies containing glycerol. He explains that even milder cases of glycerol intoxication can lead to nausea, headaches, and vomiting, making it a reasonable precaution to keep young children away from this drink.
However, Dr. Otulana also notes that extending this advice to all age groups may not be necessary. He explains that older children and adults are less likely to experience harmful effects unless they are consuming excessive amounts of slushies quickly. Glycerol is commonly used in food and is generally safe in small quantities. The FSA also acknowledges that glycerol is generally of low toxicity, but they do have concerns about the effect on young children when large quantities are consumed over a short period of time.
The recent study also raises concerns about the lack of information available to consumers about the amount of glycerol in a given slushie. This, combined with the fact that children’s weight and health can vary greatly, makes it difficult to estimate a safe dose. While Dr. Otulana believes that most older children and adults can enjoy slushies in moderation, he warns against drinking them in high amounts.
So, is the FSA considering changing their guidelines about slushies? According to the FSA’s director of policy, Rebecca Sudworth, the agency is carefully reviewing the new information. She emphasizes that the current advice is for slushies to be avoided by children under the age of four, and retailers are advised to make parents aware of this guidance. Sudworth also stresses the importance of parents being aware of the risks associated with glycerol intoxication, especially at high levels of consumption.
In conclusion, while slushies may be a refreshing and tasty treat, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with their consumption, especially for young children. The FSA’s guidelines are based on the potential dangers of glycerol, and it’s important to follow them to ensure the safety of our children. However, for older children and adults, enjoying slushies in moderation is likely safe. As always, it’s important to be mindful of our consumption of any food or drink and to make informed decisions about what we put into our bodies.
